By Tracy Cabrera
BATASAN HILLS, Quezon City — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has called out the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for allegedly withholding or delaying critical information needed to investigate and prosecute smuggling cases, saying the lack of data sharing is hampering the government’s anti-smuggling drive.
In a radio interview, Remulla said the BOC’s failure to promptly provide complete documentation has affected efforts by investigators and prosecutors to build cases against suspected smugglers.
“Ang problema nga kasi, itong sa Customs, ayaw nilang kumpletuhin ang documentation para hindi ma-dismiss ang kaso,” Remulla said.
He said the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Customs had already met to address the problem and strengthen coordination in pursuing smuggling cases.
Remulla noted that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had agreed to data sharing, but said Customs would now be challenged to do the same.
“Kapag hinihingi namin ang dokumento, ayaw dumating ang dokumento. Walang data sharing,” he said.
Remulla also expressed concern over alleged irregularities involving confiscated smuggled goods, particularly during the process of destroying seized contraband.
The issue came under renewed scrutiny following recent operations involving law enforcement agencies.
Last month, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a rendering facility in Santa Maria, Bulacan, where tons of frozen chicken meat reportedly intended for destruction were allegedly being sold instead, with Customs personnel implicated in the controversy.
In August, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) also raided a Bulacan warehouse where confiscated smuggled cigarettes scheduled for destruction were allegedly being sold.
Amid the controversies, Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito urged BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno to intensify efforts to remove erring personnel, particularly those in the bureau’s intelligence and investigation units.
ia/xf
